Cleaning Scorch Marks Off Your Scan Pan: A Simple Guide

Scanpan is a premium cookware brand known for its durability and excellent non-stick properties. Proper cleaning and maintenance of Scanpan products are essential to ensure their longevity and performance. While the non-stick coating makes cleaning relatively easy, burn marks and stains can sometimes occur due to overheating or charring of fatty substances. To address this, a simple cleaning method involves filling the pan with water, bringing it to a slow boil, adding a tablespoon of detergent, simmering for 10-15 minutes, and then rinsing and drying the pan. For more stubborn stains, a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda paste can be used. It is important to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners and metal scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating. With proper care, a Scanpan can last for decades, providing a high-quality cooking experience.

Start with cold water

If your Scanpan has burn marks, don't panic. You can restore your pan to its former glory with a few simple steps, starting with cold water.

Firstly, while the pan is still hot from cooking, fill it with cold water from the faucet. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food and make it easier to clean. Let the pan sit safely on the countertop, ensuring the handle is not hanging over the edge. The exterior of the pan will remain hot for a while, so be cautious.

Once the pan has cooled down, empty it and place it in the sink. Now, fill the pan about three-quarters full with warm water. Slowly increase the heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Adding warm water first will help prevent thermal shock, which can damage your pan. Once the water is simmering, add a tablespoon of washing detergent—either dishwasher or washing machine detergent, not liquid for handwashing. Let the soapy water bubble away for around 15 minutes. This process will help to loosen and lift any burnt residue.

After the detergent soak, it's time to rinse and scrub. Remove the pan from the heat and thoroughly rinse it with clean water. If there are any stubborn burnt bits remaining, use a scourer or nylon brush to gently scrub them away. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the non-stick coating.

Finally, dry your pan thoroughly with a clean, dry towel. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, and don't forget to wipe down the handle and exterior. Proper drying is essential to prevent rust and maintain your Scanpan for years to come.

Use a gentle detergent

To clean a burnt ScanPan, you'll want to use a gentle detergent. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, as these can damage the non-stick surface of your pan and be harmful to your health. Instead, opt for a gentle kitchen detergent or washing-up liquid. You can also use a small amount of washing detergent (the kind used for clothes) or dishwasher detergent, as these are designed to dissolve food residue.

Fill your ScanPan with warm water—enough to cover any burnt food—and add a small amount of your chosen detergent. The amount of detergent will vary depending on the product you're using, but a good rule of thumb is to use no more than you would for a standard load of washing. For example, if using a washing detergent, add about 1 tablespoon.

Turn on the cooker and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for around 10-15 minutes. The boiling water and detergent will work together to loosen and dissolve the burnt-on food.

After boiling, remove your pan from the heat and discard the water. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual detergent and dislodged food particles.

If there are still burnt bits stuck to the pan, you can repeat the process or try scrubbing gently with a soft sponge or scouring pad. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the non-stick surface.

Once your pan is clean, it's important to dry it off thoroughly. Grab a clean, dry towel and wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces, including the handle. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Proper drying will help prevent rust from forming on your ScanPan.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Scanpan is a brand of cookware renowned for its durability and excellent non-stick properties. It is also one of the more expensive brands on the market. If you own a Scanpan, it is important to know how to clean and care for it properly to ensure its longevity. Here are some tips for avoiding harsh chemicals when cleaning a burnt Scanpan:

Start by filling your burnt Scanpan with cold water from the faucet while the pan is still hot. This initial step will make the cleaning process easier. Ensure the handle is pointing away from the edge of the countertop to avoid any accidents. Let the pan soak for a while, as the water inside will never get hotter than lukewarm, but be mindful that the exterior will remain hot.

Once the pan has cooled down, empty it and place it in the sink. Add a few splashes of gentle kitchen detergent to the pan. Use the green side of a standard kitchen scourer on all sides of the Scanpan, including the bottom. Work the sponge into the contoured sides of the pan, applying some elbow grease without scrubbing too hard.

For more stubborn burnt-on food, you can use a tougher cleaning agent like dishwasher detergent. Dishwasher detergent is stronger than ordinary washing-up detergent and can dissolve food residue. Pour approximately 200 ml of water into the pan, add the dishwasher detergent, and boil for about 10 minutes. Then, clean the pan with water and regular washing-up liquid, using a scourer if needed.

Another alternative is to use washing detergent meant for clothes. Pour 200 ml of water into the pan, add 1 tablespoon of detergent (or the amount you would normally put in your washing machine), and boil the mixture for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, clean the pan with regular water and washing-up detergent, removing any remaining burnt-on food with a scourer.

If you're looking for a natural cleaning method that doesn't involve harsh chemicals, try using lemons. Slice two to three lemons and place them in your dirty pan. Add enough water to just barely cover the lemons and place the pan over medium-high heat. Bring the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes, then remove from the heat. Rinse with hot water and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any stuck-on bits.

Soak and simmer

If your Scanpan is burnt, don't panic. This can happen if you overheat the pan or when fatty substances become charred while cooking. There are ways to restore your pan without too much elbow grease, harsh cleaning chemicals, or buying a new one.

The "soak and simmer" method is a great way to clean your burnt Scanpan without harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Fill the Pan

Fill your Scanpan three-quarters full with warm water. It's important to use warm water as it will help loosen the burnt residue and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Place the pan on the stove and slowly increase the heat to medium. You want to bring the water to a gentle boil, so adjust the heat as needed. Be careful not to overheat the pan, as this can impair the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Add Detergent

Once the water is simmering, add a tablespoon of detergent. You can use either dishwasher or washing machine detergent, but avoid using hand wash detergent. The detergent will help break down the burnt residue and make it easier to clean.

Step 4: Simmer and Soak

Let the mixture simmer and soak for around 15 minutes. The detergent and hot water will work together to loosen and dissolve the burnt-on food and stains. This step is crucial, as it does most of the hard work for you without the need for scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After the soaking time is up, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove any residual detergent and burnt-on food particles. Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean towel. Be sure to dry both the interior and exterior surfaces, including the handle.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and restore your burnt Scanpan. This method is gentle on your cookware and avoids the use of harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing, which could damage the non-stick surface. With proper care and maintenance, your Scanpan can last for decades.

Rinse and dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to ensure all the detergent is removed. You can also use a scourer to remove any stubborn residue at this stage.

If you have used a dishwasher detergent, it is recommended to rinse the pan with water and normal washing-up liquid for handwashing. Use a scourer if necessary.

Once you are satisfied that the pan is clean, dry it immediately with a clean, dry towel. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces, including the interior, exterior, and handle. Be gentle yet thorough, ensuring all areas are dry, especially the nooks and crannies.

Leaving moisture on your Scanpan can cause rusting over time, so it is important to dry it properly before storing it. If you have a fabric separator, use it to protect your pan, especially if you plan to stack it with other cookware. These fabric separators are readily available online and are worth investing in to protect your cookware.

By following these steps, you will be able to keep your Scanpan in optimal condition and ensure it lasts for many years.

Frequently asked questions